USA trying to get back to winning ways at VNL 2024

The winningest women’s national team in the Volleyball Nations League, the United States enter the 2024 edition of the tournament with the goal of returning to the podium after a two-year absence.

Even though successfully defending the Olympic title they won in Tokyo in 2021 at this year’s Paris Games might be their main goal of the season, a strong campaign in the VNL would also be meaningful for the Americans.

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Here’s all you need to know about Team USA in the VNL 2024:

The background

The United States were absolutely dominant in the first three editions of the VNL. Besides taking the title in 2018, 2019 and 2021, they did it with authority, getting 49 victories in 55 matches over the three seasons. The last two seasons haven’t been as productive for the Olympic champions, but they've always been in the mix, ranking fifth in 2022 and fourth in 2023.

The squad

Many of the players who were in the squad that claimed gold in Tokyo three years ago continue with the team, giving the Americans an experienced and talented roster. Two of them recently rejoined the team, star outside hitter Jordan Larson, who came back in 2023 after a two-year absence, and setter Jordyn Poulter, who’s expected to return from injury this season, joining fellow Olympic champions Micha Hancock, Annie Drews, Jordan Thompson, Kelsey Cook, Haleigh Washington, Chiaka Ogbogu and Justine Wong-Orantes. Many other talented players emerged to strengthen the squad over the last few years, such as outside hitters Alexandra Frantti and Avery Skinner and middle blocker Dana Rettke.

Player to watch

One of the many players to get larger roles after Tokyo, Kathrynn Plummer is one of the several options the Americans have at outside hitter. She has, however, skills none of the other players can replicate, such as her 2.01m-tall frame and extraordinary offensive power. The 25-year-old Plummer is coming from a tremendous club season in which she played a major role in Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano's victories at both the Italian League and the CEV Champions League and looks ready to be a starter for the USA.

The coach

The only person on the planet to have won Olympic gold medals as a volleyball player, a beach volleyball player and a volleyball head coach, Karch Kiraly is entering his 12^th season ahead of the American team. In this period, he has led the team to its major victories top date, the golds in Tokyo three years ago and at the 2014 FIVB World Championship, as well as an Olympic bronze medal at Rio 2016, three VNL titles and medals at the FIVB World Cup and the FIVB Grand Champions Cup.

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The match schedule

The USA will make the trip South to Rio de Janeiro to start their VNL campaign against Thailand on May 15. They will also face VNL runners-up China, hosts Brazil and continental rivals the Dominican Republic in the opening week. The Americans will get to play in front of their home fans on week 2, welcoming Canada, Bulgaria, Poland and defending champions Türkiye in Arlington. The Preliminary Phase will end in Fukuoka, where the Olympic champions will meet VNL rookies France, the Netherlands, Italy and hosts Japan.

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